Paintings :

Within the Willow

Sometime in your life, you probably sat underneath a willow tree and watched the light stream in through the branches. There might have been a pond or stream nearby reflecting the sparking light. Perhaps, as the wind made the graceful branches sway, a calm and restful feeling came over you. You were hidden inside the tree in a special place. You were enchanted by the willow.

Many cultures give the willow tree magical properties or special significance. Native Americans used willow bark to relieve pain and fever. (The bark of the willow is actually filled with salicin, a precursor to aspirin.) Countless myths and legends from throughout the world give the willow special spiritual powers. An old willow is undeniably a special tree!

This particular willow was at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island. Painting a willow is an amazing challenge. The willow tree branches are not solid at all. They don't form shapes that have a light side and a dark side. They are all light and movement and transparency. I hope I've captured a small bit of the willow tree's magic in my painting.